Ergonomic Principles to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dental Professionals

Abstract

Dental professionals are constantly exposed to certain occupational hazards owing to their work environment. This wide range of occupational hazards includes the musculoskeletal disorders which markedly affect the long term efficiency and health of the dental health care workers. The effects on overall health and wellbeing are governed the nature of work demands of a dentist. These physical demands when exceed the normal capacity of function, lead to symptoms of muscle fatigue, pain and deformity. These potential problems if left ignored could severely affect the functionality of a clinician. This article briefly discusses the need to review the ergonomic principles to prevent jeopardizing the health of dentists and in turn improve their quality of practice.

The effect of indirect vision skills on head and shoulder posture amongst Korean dental hygienists

“…Several previous studies have proposed that the laws of physics, body mechanics, approaches to ergonomic principles (eg instrumentation, operator's chair, lighting and position of overhead light, neutral working posture, sufficient space for the stool to move freely and instrumental design) and preventive exercises constitute the types of ergonomic education that should be included in the dental hygiene curriculum. 2,8,38 Such educational programs and training in dental ergonomics would enhance the capabilities of dental hygienists to periodically monitor and control ergonomic hazards that can lead to WMSD. Therefore, further studies should consider the development and application of a new dental hygiene curriculum that incorporates a dental ergonomics module.…”

“…Finally, dental hygiene entry‐to‐practice programs should include training to improve clinical skills required for dental hygiene practice, as well as education regarding dental ergonomics and a monitoring system to determine whether ergonomic principles are well observed. Several previous studies have proposed that the laws of physics, body mechanics, approaches to ergonomic principles (eg instrumentation, operator's chair, lighting and position of overhead light, neutral working posture, sufficient space for the stool to move freely and instrumental design) and preventive exercises constitute the types of ergonomic education that should be included in the dental hygiene curriculum . Such educational programs and training in dental ergonomics would enhance the capabilities of dental hygienists to periodically monitor and control ergonomic hazards that can lead to WMSD.…”

“…Dental hygienists are commonly exposed to various occupational health hazards, such as infection, repetitive movements and the noises and mechanical vibrations generated by dental instruments . In particular, the maintenance of awkward working postures (eg neck flexion) for extended periods of time to ensure visibility in the narrow oral cavity has become a problem .…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Preventing the Occurrence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Doctors in University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital

“…Health-care workers are constantly exposed to workplace hazards which could be biological, the well-being of those exposed, who in this case, are doctors providing health care and include physicians, dentists, hematologists, pathologists, radiologists, and surgeons. [1][2][3][4] During treatment sessions, doctors in different specialties of medicine are exposed to hazards related to a strained posture which exerts a destabilizing effect on the osteoarticular system of the body, thus invariably having negative effects on the affected muscles and joints and resulting in musculoskeletal system disorders. These disorders have the propensity of adversely affecting the health and practice of those affected.…”

“…[12] Required goals for the application of ergonomics in medical practice include reduced pain and morbidities associated with medical practice, decreased stress while working, improved musculoskeletal health and vigor, increased comfort at work, increased productivity while working, career span improvement as well as improved quality of life. [3] Practices encouraging the prevention of the occurrence of these disorders include ensuring that the working chair/stool be fashioned to support the worker in neutral posture by being fully adjustable and having a broad base and a little forward tilt in order for easy achievability of optimal access, clear visibility, and comfort while working. Others include good use of the backrest to ensure optimum lumbar support of the body trunk, avoiding flexed back positions, alternating working postures to allow for muscle recovery as well as exercising including head rotations (in the 4 different planes of movement).…”